I think you're right (that we're talking past each other). The UK perception seems to be based on a lack of assurances that he won't end up in an orange jumpsu

I think you're right (that we're talking past each other). The UK perception seems to be based on a lack of assurances that he won't end up in an orange jumpsuit, as fetching as he may look in one. The US is unable to provide said assurances because the people looking to extradite him are not in a position to make that type of a deal (as far as I know, if I'm wrong please say so). Bear in mind that at the time he committed said acts the US would have generally considered it an act of hacking, whereas now it could be considered an act of terrorism or even an act by an enemy non-combatant. The grey area seems to be the thing that's causing the block. If the US said, "He'll serve 5 years in a minimum security jail for hacking" then I'm sure the resistance would be over.